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Creo: Leaf Valeo 22Wi and New Leaf Valeo 17Wi Go Wireless

Press release from the issuing company

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--March 22, 2004-- Creo Inc. is pleased to announce that the fastest digital camera back system - the Leaf(TM) Valeo - is now wireless. This next generation Leaf Valeo is being introduced with an innovative wireless display on two models: the Leaf Valeo 22Wi and the new Leaf Valeo 17Wi, with resolutions of 22 and 17 million pixels respectively. Both camera backs feature an unmatched fast capture rate, optimized 3:4 format ratio CCD, Portable Power technology, and In-Studio Large Format Power. The new Leaf Valeo Wi family uses built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to accomplish two-way communication between the camera and the Leaf DP-67, a 6 x 7 cm (3.9 inch) image display and control unit, based on the HP iPAQ pocket PC. By using the Leaf DP-67 image display and control unit, users can zoom-in on high resolution images that display instantly, verify focus, set camera parameters or even manage files and folders from a distance of up to 10 meters (33 feet). The DP-67 acts as both a "digital proof" and a "personal photographic assistant". The Leaf Valeo Wi family is the fastest digital back system in the market at 1.2 sec/frame with its unique DSR (Dual Sensor Readout) technology (patent pending). DSR technology achieves record capture rate by utilizing the CCD two-channel simultaneous readout. Both the 17 mega pixel and the 22 mega pixel CCDs present an optimized 3:4 format for a classic photographic ratio that's efficient and minimizes cropping. Leaf's Large Format Power turns existing large format analog cameras into digital systems, allowing users to control aperture and shutter speed from their computer. The electronic lens control allows speeds up to 1/500 sec in 1/10 f-stop intervals producing accurate and consistent shutter performance. A Live Video View feature enables easy and accurate composition by superimposing a designer layout over the live image as well as on sensor absolute focusing. The 16-bit A/D (analog to digital) converter assures the widest tonal range for rich and smooth tonal transitions. An advanced scaling algorithm enables a smooth film-like look in high-scale enlargements for files over 300 MB.